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Piperacillin-Tazobactam and Cefepime Comparable in Pediatric Febrile Neutropenia

This meta-analysis gives ID pharmacists pooled pediatric data confirming that either antipseudomonal beta-lactam is a defensible empiric monotherapy choice, with selection driven by local resistance and toxicity profiles rather than efficacy.
📅 Journal publication: May 7, 2026 · Last updated: Oct 12, 2026
piperacillin-tazobactamcefepimeantipseudomonal beta-lactamsfebrile neutropeniapediatric oncologymeta-analysissystematic reviewantimicrobial stewardshipnephrotoxicityESBL Pediatric Pharmacy
Also in Infectious Disease / Antimicrobials

Background Information

Pip-tazo and cefepime show similar efficacy in pediatric FN.

Febrile neutropenia (FN) in pediatric patients requires effective antimicrobial treatment to prevent serious infections. The meta-analysis found no significant difference in efficacy between piperacillin-tazobactam (pip-tazo) and cefepime monotherapy for FN. Findings suggest both antibiotics are similar in effectiveness, which may guide empirical therapy decisions in pediatric FN, considering resistance patterns and patient-specific factors. In pediatric FN, pip-tazo and cefepime show comparable efficacy as monotherapy options.

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